Discovering Cancun: My First Mexican Adventure

Welcome to my travel blog! This is my first post, and I'm excited to share my recent experience attending a worldwide medical conference in the vibrant city of Cancun, Mexico. Whether you're planning your next holiday or simply enjoy reading about travel, I hope my journey provides inspiration and practical insights.

The Arrival: Navigating Cancun Airport

My adventure began at Cancun International Airport, which is a bustling hub of activity. Upon arrival, passengers are often sorted by passport, which can lead to confusion if the staff is unfamiliar with certain nationalities. For instance, with my Maltese passport, I was placed in a line for Middle Eastern countries, leading to a delay until we were finally attended to by a helpful staff member.

Tip: If you have a U.S. visa, have it handy, because for some reason they ask for it, and they seem to be satisfied if you have it.

Baggage Claim Insight: Navigating the baggage claim was an interesting experience. The conveyor belts form a continuous loop through several stations, so your bags might pass from one station to the next. Initially, I waited at the suggested belt, only to discover that my bag was making rounds on the next belt station.

Tip: Don’t stress about staying at one specific belt; your bag will come around if you stay in the less crowded belt.

Exiting the Airport: The airport exit is bustling with people offering transfer services, often aggressively. To avoid the chaos and potential scams, I highly recommend booking transfers in advance with a reputable company. This preparation can save you from unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Tip: Pre-book your transfer to avoid the hassle and ensure a smooth journey to your hotel. As your travel consultant, I will be more than happy to help you arrange reliable and convenient transfers.

Currency Exchange: I almost forgot to exchange money before my trip, but luckily, I managed to do so last minute at Marks and Spencer. ATMs at the airport and around Cancun often have high fees, and some only dispense US dollars. It's advisable to carry Mexican pesos to avoid these extra charges and the hassle of finding a compatible ATM.

Tip: I can provide you with the some useful information to get the best options for currency exchange. All you need to do is ask; I'm always happy to share my gained knowledge and experience.

First Impressions of the Hotel

I stayed at the Krystal Cancun, a large, clean hotel with organised porters who efficiently handled our luggage. The check-in process included a rundown of hotel rules, which was a bit unusual but manageable.

During breakfast, I noticed families being approached by hotel representatives for timeshare sales. This is something to be aware of when staying at larger hotels.

Room and Facilities: I initially declined the offer to upgrade to an ocean view room, but to my pleasant surprise, my room still offered a partial ocean view with a few trees in the foreground. The room was clean and adequately equipped with a coffee machine, a minibar, and decent lighting. The bathroom, while clean, showed signs of wear and could benefit from some updates.

Tip: Always check for room upgrades, but even standard rooms can offer pleasant surprises. As your travel consultant, I can provide insights or special deals on room upgrades.

Dining Experience: The breakfast buffet offered a variety of options, including juices, cheeses, vegetables, meat dishes, eggs made to order, fresh waffles, and pastries. The quality varied, but the overall experience was pleasant, especially with views of the beach and attentive service from the staff. Dining with birds reminiscent of the Talking Jays from the Hunger Games added a unique touch to the experience.

Tip: Enjoy your breakfast at the Italian restaurant for a lovely beachside dining experience, but be prepared for occasional visits from local birds.

Exploring Cancun: Tourist and Cultural Highlights

Tourist Attractions: Cancun is a mix of vibrant tourist areas and glimpses of local life. Popular spots like Coco Bongo and Monkey Business highlight the city's party atmosphere. However, for a more authentic experience, I ventured to local spots with new friends I met at the conference.

Local Dining:

Tacos Rigo: A must-visit for authentic Mexican tacos, thanks to recommendations from local friends. Typical street food
Hacienda El Mortero: Watching Mariachis play traditional Spanish music was an unforgettable experience, complemented by good food and great Margheritas.
Seafood Restaurants aplenty: Despite a minor incident with a local soliciting beer from us, the seafood was delightful, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of Cancun. ( we tried: Almadía Cancun | Bar & Marisquería / and El Timón De Cancún)
 

Connecting with Fellow Attendees: The conference was a highlight, allowing me to connect with professionals from around the world. From Brazilians to Australians, the diverse mix of attendees made the experience enriching. These interactions extended beyond the conference, leading to shared meals and cultural exchanges that enhanced my stay.

Tip: Engage with fellow travellers and locals to enrich your travel experience. Be open to new connections and cultural exchanges.

Conference Highlights: Top Three Moments

1. Morning Walks on White Sand Beaches: One of the most magical experiences was walking on the pristine white sand beaches in the early morning when they were still empty. The soft, powdery sand under my feet and the gentle sound of waves created a serene and breathtaking start to the day.

2. Unforgettable Networking: The connections I made with fellow professionals from around the globe are memories I will cherish forever. Meeting people from Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Argentina, and many other places was enriching. These interactions not only broadened my professional network but also helped forge long-lasting friendships.

3. Local Cultural Immersion: Thanks to my new friends, I experienced local dining and cultural spots I might have missed otherwise. Visiting bars with locals, enjoying a night at the Hacienda with live Mariachi music, and tasting delicious seafood were some of the highlights that made the trip special.

Tip: I am always looking for authentic local experiences and dining recommendations to make your trip memorable, so never hold back from asking me for recommendations. 

Limited Exploration and Future Plans

Due to the conference schedule, I didn't have much time to explore beyond the areas around the hotel. However, walking along the strip offered a different perspective of Cancun’s bustling hotel zone. Some colleagues managed to go on day trips, with one of the standout experiences being swimming with whale sharks.

Tip: Always book tours with reputable providers and ensure they don’t outsource to unreliable suppliers. Discuss your tour options with me as your travel consultant to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Final Thoughts on Krystal Cancun

As a 3-star hotel, the Krystal Cancun does its job well. It's clean and offers decent amenities, though the rooms can be a bit dated. However, Tower A has seen more recent refurbishments, so it's worth requesting a room in that tower if you book here. If you're seeking luxury, a 3-star hotel might not meet those expectations, but for a clean and functional stay, this hotel is a good choice.

Pros:

• Clean rooms
• Organised and helpful staff
• Nice pool and beach accessories

Cons:

• Dated rooms in some areas
• Food quality varies, rated around 7/10

Tip: Consider the price you're paying for a 3-star hotel and compare it with higher-rated options to see if a small increase in budget could afford you a more luxurious stay.

Cancun offers a unique blend of tourist convenience and opportunities for authentic cultural experiences. While there are minor challenges, such as navigating the busy airport and dealing with occasional language barriers, the overall experience is rewarding. Whether you're attending a conference or planning a holiday, Cancun has something for everyone.

Have you ever visited a tourist-heavy destination and found ways to connect with the local culture? What strategies worked for you, and what advice would you give to fellow travellers?

Share your travel experiences and tips in the comments below or on @Brincattravels. Let's exchange stories and help each other plan unforgettable adventures!